| The clock in the tower is now striking one |
| And who can I turn to and where can I run |
| It says in the Good Book an eye for an eye |
| A life I have taken, tomorrow I die |
| Build my gallows high, dig my grave down deep |
| Perhaps when it’s over, I’ll be able to sleep |
| The clock in the tower is now striking three |
| I hope there is someone a-praying for me |
| I sit in the jailhouse, afraid of the dark |
| A rope will be waiting, a life will be gone |
| The clock in the tower is now striking five |
| In just a few moments the guards will arrive |
| This sad world I’m leaving, and as I depart |
| The clock in the tower will stop with my heart |
| Build my gallows high, dig my grave down deep |
| Perhaps when it’s over, I’ll be able to sleep |